How to Order Death Certificates in Florida
How many to request, the difference between cause-of-death and no-cause copies, and who may order them.
Start here
Ask the funeral home how many certified copies it will order and which agencies require a copy showing cause of death. Additional Florida death certificates can be ordered through the Bureau of Vital Statistics or the local county health department.
What to have in front of you
- The notice, bill, decision, or discharge paperwork connected to the problem
- The person’s full name, date of birth, address, insurance information, and identification
- A short timeline with dates, names, phone calls, and what changed
- Copies of medical, school, financial, or care records that directly support the request
What to say when someone answers
“I need certified death certificates for a death in Florida. Which version may I order, what identification and proof of relationship are required, and how long will processing take?”
Small but useful: Write down the person’s name, the date, the exact next step, and when you should call again.
Do this in order
- 1
Make a list of banks, insurers, retirement plans, probate, property, veterans benefits, and other agencies likely to request certified copies.
- 2
Ask each whether it needs an original, will return it, and whether cause of death must appear.
- 3
Order an initial practical number through the funeral home and keep one unmailed copy for reference.
- 4
Track where each certificate is sent and order more only when needed.
What happens next
The funeral director files the death record and Vital Statistics issues certified copies after registration. Access to cause-of-death information is restricted for a period under Florida rules.
If they say “we’ll put you on the list”
If the certificate is delayed, ask whether the medical certification or registration is incomplete and which office must correct it.
Official sources
Checked August 5, 2026. Programs, hours, funding, and enrollment lists can change. Confirm details directly before relying on them.